Greenkraft Inc., a California-based manufacturer of alternative-fuel trucks and alternative-fuel systems, has announced that the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved Greenkraft’s and Efficient Drivetrains, Inc.’s (EDI) joint application for a grant to develop a compressed natural gas (CNG)-hybrid electric vehicle.

The CEC through its Energy Research and Development Division jointly awarded funding of up to $900,000 for the development of a Class 4 vehicle that combines the benefits of Greenkraft’s CNG trucks and EDI’s high-efficiency plugin hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology, according to Greenkraft.

Greenkraft will supply the natural gas powered truck to EDI for the project. EDI will then integrate Greenkraft’s natural gas truck with its PHEV powertrain. This new CNG-PHEV combined truck is being designed to improve and show the fuel economy of both a natural gas and electric vehicle in one. This project is consistent with Greenkraft’s goal to offer cost-efficient alternative fuel products in the marketplace, according to the company.